Square Foot Gardening
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Posted by Sally Odum May 28, 2006 |
Square foot gardening has gained in popularity because more and more people are learning about this unique method of vegetable gardening. Mel Bartholomew is the undisputed guru of square foot gardening theory. His website is located at Square Foot Gardening.com. He is the author of the book by the same name, Square Foot Gardening.
I am deeply moved by Mel Bartholomew's stated mission. It is one similar to my own. He wants to help the world by providing knowledge of vegetable gardening to help sustain and enhance life. So do I.
Per the website: "800 million people go to bed desperately hungry every night.
In addition, depending on whose numbers you use, 15 to 50 million people die each year from starvation and malnutrition related diseases. Three fourths of these are children under the age of five."
In view of such staggering facts, whatever you and I can do to help other people around the world receive nourishment and life through vegetable gardening knowledge is critical.
So what is square foot gardening?
It is a method of vegetable gardening whereby the least land space possible is used. Think of this square foot gardening idea (Mel's): Take four cinder blocks and arrange them in a square. Then add four more in a square. Then four more in a square. Within each square, you add amended soil. Then within each square, you plant a vegetable plant.
You don't have to use cinder blocks. You could use wood, concrete, bamboo, or whatever you have available.
Aptly named "square foot gardening," you literally garden within an area of a square foot. Think of miniature raised garden beds. Each miniature raised garden bed grows food for a child, for a family... Now, replicate the concept to feed whole villages, communities... That's the best gardening idea of all!
I am still researching the square foot gardening concept, but I will have an in-depth article for you on Square Foot Gardening soon, so be sure to look for it. I am looking forward to sharing with you all the details I find, and how this specialized vegetable gardening knowledge is being used worldwide.